ROE/ISC: ROE #47 – Lee/Ogle/Whiteside

  • Dr. Anji Garza

    With over 27 years of experience in education, I lead strategic initiatives that support school and organizational improvement, family and community engagement, collective impact, curriculum design, college and career readiness, early childhood education, mental health collaboration, and capacity building. My expertise also spans fiscal management, grant writing, human resources, and program evaluation.

    I began my career as a high school foreign language and English teacher and later served as an early learning administrator. For the past 17 years, I’ve worked with the Regional Office of Education (ROE), partnering with educators, administrators, and agencies in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties—and across Illinois.

    I am deeply committed to building meaningful partnerships with state and local organizations to improve the health, well-being, and academic outcomes of children and families, from birth through age 21. I proudly promote the ROE as a trusted community resource and work alongside our Professional Learning and Educational Services Team to deliver responsive and effective support.

    In 2025, I earned my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University. My dissertation—Continuous Improvement: A Qualitative Exploration of Learning Organization Development in a Rural Illinois K–8 District—reflects my passion for sustainable, equity-centered systems change. I also hold master’s degrees in Educational Leadership (American College of Education) and Secondary Education (University of Phoenix), along with Illinois endorsements in superintendent leadership, general administration, and secondary English Language Arts.

    Let’s connect to discuss how we can collaborate for greater impact.

  • Ben Sondgeroth

    Ben Sondgeroth

    Ben began his career as a history teacher in Morrison, IL where he initiated and coordinated the district’s iPad pilot program, redesigning the curriculum to effectively integrate the new technology. During this time, he developed a passion for sharing with other teachers exciting new ways to use technology in education.

    That passion led Ben to be a national Instructor and presenter, allowing him to work with thousands of educators every year across the country. Now working for the Illinois Learning Technology Center, his focus is on helping schools and districts in Illinois leverage digital learning effectively. He has presented at regional and national conferences such as FETC, ISTE, ICE, and many more. He holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Technology Education Reform (University of Illinois) and a Bachelor’s Degree in History Education (University of Indianapolis).